The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: There is no virtue more to the liking of Allah in any day than in these days, that is, the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah. They (the Companions) asked: Messenger of Allah, not even the struggle in the path of Allah (Jihad) ? He said: (Yes), not even the struggle in the path of Allah, except a man who goes out (in the path of Allah) with his life and property, and does not return with any of them.
Hadith Text & Reference
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "There is no virtue more to the liking of Allah in any day than in these days, that is, the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah. They (the Companions) asked: Messenger of Allah, not even the struggle in the path of Allah (Jihad)? He said: (Yes), not even the struggle in the path of Allah, except a man who goes out (in the path of Allah) with his life and property, and does not return with any of them."
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 2438 | Book: Fasting (Kitab Al-Siyam)
Exegesis of the Hadith
This profound hadith establishes the immense spiritual status of the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah. The Prophet's declaration that no days are more beloved to Allah for righteous deeds indicates their unique position in the Islamic calendar, surpassing even ordinary days of jihad. This comparison elevates the spiritual struggle (jihad al-nafs) during these days to the highest level of divine acceptance.
The Companions' question demonstrates their understanding of jihad's supreme status in Islam. The Prophet's response confirms the exceptional nature of these ten days while making a crucial distinction: only the martyr who sacrifices everything in jihad surpasses the virtue of deeds performed in these blessed days. This exception preserves the ultimate status of complete self-sacrifice for Allah's cause while emphasizing the extraordinary opportunity these ten days present for every Muslim.
Legal & Spiritual Implications
Scholars unanimously agree upon the superiority of these ten days based on this hadith and other evidences. The ruling includes increased devotion through obligatory and supererogatory acts: abundant dhikr (remembrance of Allah), takbir (declaring Allah's greatness), tahmid (praise), and tahlil (declaring Allah's oneness). Fasting during these days is particularly emphasized, especially the Day of Arafah for non-pilgrims.
The wisdom behind this excellence lies in these days encompassing the greatest rites of Islam: the Hajj pilgrimage, the Day of Arafah (when Allah forgives numerous sinners), and Eid al-Adha. They represent a complete cycle of worship - from spiritual preparation to ultimate sacrifice - mirroring the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). This period serves as an annual spiritual rejuvenation for the entire Ummah.
Practical Applications
The believer should increase in: recitation and contemplation of the Qur'an, voluntary prayers, charity, maintaining family ties, enjoining good and forbidding evil, and seeking forgiveness. Fasting the first nine days is highly recommended, with the Day of Arafah having special merit. The takbirat al-tashriq should be recited after obligatory prayers from Fajr on the 9th through Asr on the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
This hadith teaches us about Allah's mercy in providing specific times of increased reward, encouraging competition in goodness, and demonstrating Islam's balance between various forms of worship. It reminds us that while extraordinary sacrifices like martyrdom have their unique status, the path to Allah remains open through consistent devotion during blessed opportunities that Allah grants His servants.